Turf Alternative Plot

Gardeners hoping for sustainable ground covers will learn about nine different kinds of ground covers/grasses that take little water or mowing and are disease resistant and amenable to foot traffic. And they look good, too.

The ground covers are planted in 3 different blocks, which are on three different irrigation schedules. Many of these grasses may be mowed to resemble lawn or left unmown for easy care. Five of these lawn replacements are native to California and four are chosen from other Mediterranean climate regions. All provide attractive alternatives to a conventional lawn. Fall is the best time to plant these new ground covers.

Click on the links below for more ideas:

UC Center for Landscape and Urban Horticulture

http://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/Water_Use_of_Turfgrass_and_Landscape_Plant_Materials/

UC Verde Buffalograss information

http://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/industry/ucverde

UC Cooperative Extension Presentation on “Alternative Turf Species for Reducing Water Use and Mowing” Includes study of UC Verde Buffalo grass

http://cesacramento.ucdavis.edu/files/77830.pdf

Water Conservation Tips for the Home Lawn and Garden

http://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8036.pdf

Grass Removal Methods

http://ucanr.edu/sites/scmg/Lawn_Replacement/Grass_Removal_Methods/

Waterwise Landscaping Plants for SLO County